The Best Highlights From ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS

It has been a phenomenal year for ONE Championship, but as we edge closer to the end of 2018, the world’s largest martial arts organization shows no signs of slowing down. 

ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS took place at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on Friday, 23 November, with two ONE World Titles on the line, and a star-studded supporting card. 

The main and co-main events did not disappoint, and before that, we saw some fantastic finishes, incredible displays of courage, and entertaining back-and-forth battles.

Here are some of the best highlights from the landmark event. 

Vera’s Grip On The Heavyweight Division Tightens

ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera’s two-year absence meant there were some questions about how quickly he would find his feet on his return to the cage. 

It did not take long for him to answer them – just 64 seconds, in fact. Challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli lunged after the champion in an attempt to become the heavyweight king, but his punches, like his quest for gold, fell short. 

The powerful Italian raced after Vera, who remained composed and waited for the right moment to pick his shot. As “The Hammer” swung his left hand, the big Filipino deftly countered with a hook to the jaw of his oncoming foe, who instantly fell to the canvas. 

That punch gave Vera his fourth first-round knockout win in as many ONE appearances. It was also the second successful title defense for “The Truth,” who was elated to be back in the cage in front of his countrymen.

Folayang Bests Khan Over Five Rounds

The battle between local hero Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and Singapore’s Amir Khan for the vacant ONE Lightweight World Title delivered action from the first bell to the last, just as fans had expected.

However, they may not have anticipated how dominant the performance from the Team Lakay man would be. He sealed the victory with a clear-cut unanimous decision, and added a fourth ONE World Title to his gym’s trophy cabinet.

Khan had his moments throughout the bout. He utilized his reach well and landed some solid punches, but the most telling moments came from “Landslide.” He built his rhythm and grew stronger as the contest progressed. 

Folayang’s confidence soared as he landed hard spinning back fists and elbows, as well as gravity-defying takedowns, leaving his younger foe overwhelmed and without an answer.

There was no doubt which way the judges would lean when the decision was called, and the Mall Of Asia Arena erupted as their national hero regained his status as World Champion.

Miado’s Emotionally-Charged Victory

Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado defied the odds earlier this year when he knocked out former ONE Strawweight World Champion and Muay Thai legend Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke. 

This time, however, he overcame an even bigger challenge. 

The Filipino lost his father just days ago, but still made it to the cage and gave arguably a career-best performance in his memory.

Peng Xue Wen came into the contest riding back-to-back victories, but “The Jaguar” would not be denied on the night. He shrugged off takedown attempts from the Chinese wrestler and landed clean striking combinations.

In round two, after dropping his adversary with a right hand, Miado kept up the pressure. He landed a solid uppercut after Peng had found his way back to his feet, and sealed the deal with a flurry of punches on the ground to get an emotional TKO victory.

Machado’s Second-Round Comeback

BJJ specialists Hideki “Shrek” Sekine and Alexandre “Bebezao” Machado met in a heavyweight clash, and it was a tale of two rounds. 

In round one, Japan’s Sekine used his judo background to smother and dominate Machado. He allowed the Brazilian no space to breathe as he dragged him to the ground time after time, and landed clubbing punches along the way.

The frenetic pace of opening stanza began to tell in the second. “Shrek” worked relentlessly in the clinch exchanges, and it was clear he had used up most of his energy. The takedown attempts came slower and with less vigor, and Machado sensed his moment.

“Bebezao” started to land more frequently on the feet, and then capitalized on a labored shot, taking top position to pummel his rival with punches to get the TKO victory.

With two consecutive wins in the ONE heavyweight division, Machado could have placed himself as a top contender for Vera.

Saemapetch And Ramazanov Engage In A Thriller

The ONE Super Series Muay Thai battle between Saemapetch Fairtex and Alaverdi “Dagger” Ramazanov promised fireworks, and it delivered them over three rounds.

The two Pattaya-based athletes – representing Fairtex and Venum Training Camp, respectively – went at breakneck speed for the whole contest, and their styles made for entertaining viewing. 

Thailand’s Saemapetch threw everything at Ramazanov, especially his thudding left kicks and powerful punches, but the Russian was unfazed. “Dagger” responded every time. He threw his hands with volume, and sent his opponent to the mat with dumps and push kicks.

The Fairtex man got the nod from the judges after nine minutes of action, but Ramazanov will take a lot of credit away from the battle, which he accepted on short notice.